Fortinet FortiClient is a commercial endpoint protection platform solution by Fortinet. Microsoft Defender is a commercial endpoint protection platform solution by Microsoft. Features, integrations, deployment and the company behind each one, side by side.
What our shortlists say about the one we picked.
Best for: Companies already running Fortinet firewalls
It earns its place because Fortinet firewalls use its device data to enforce access rules, so one agent handles endpoint protection and access control at once. If you already run FortiGate, that can replace a separate VPN client and endpoint agent. If you do not, weigh it against focused endpoint suites, because much of its value depends on the firewall side.
From Best Endpoint Security Solutions for Business, Fall 2026
Reviewed by Nika (Nikoloz) Kokhreidze.
Unified endpoint agent providing ZTNA, VPN, EPP, and fabric integration
Security app for individuals/families protecting devices from online threats
See more solutions in this category, or build a security stack from your picks.
Based on what each listing shows: deployment, company size, price and open source.
Fortinet FortiClient fits if you need both cloud and on-premises options and you are a small business or a mid-market company or an enterprise.
Microsoft Defender fits if you want a cloud product and you are a startup.
Common questions when comparing Fortinet FortiClient vs Microsoft Defender for endpoint protection platform.
Fortinet FortiClient: Unified endpoint agent providing ZTNA, VPN, EPP, and fabric integration. Built by Fortinet.
Microsoft Defender: Security app for individuals/families protecting devices from online threats. Built by Microsoft.
The table above shows where their features, integrations, deployment and company size fit differ.
Fortinet FortiClient is made by Fortinet. Microsoft Defender is made by Microsoft. The vendor behind a product decides its roadmap, support, and longevity, so check each company's profile before you commit.
Often, yes. Fortinet FortiClient and Microsoft Defender are both Endpoint Protection Platform products. Use the table above to see where features, deployment and company size fit differ.
No Endpoint Protection Platform shortlist yet. This is the closest one.
Updated 2026-11-01
See the shortlist
